Khaberni - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which was adopted unanimously today, emphasizing the necessity for Israel, as the occupying power, to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and to consent to and facilitate the assistance and relief programs provided to the people in the occupied Palestinian territories, including those offered by the United Nations and its related bodies, particularly UNRWA, and not prevent these aids from reaching their destination.
The ministry's official spokesperson, Fouad Al-Majali, reaffirmed the kingdom's welcome and appreciation for this decision, confirming that Israel must ensure full respect for the sanctity of the United Nations' premises including UNRWA, the immunity of the properties and assets it owns from interference, and that it commits to ensuring full respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations staff and experts engaged in missions related to the organization in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Al-Majali highlighted that the advisory opinion emphasized the necessity of respecting and protecting relief workers and the medical sector, the related facilities, and preventing forced displacement and deportation from the occupied Palestinian territories,
and respecting the right of the Palestinian prisoners to be visited by the Red Cross, and prohibiting the use of starvation against civilians as a method of warfare.
According to Al-Majali, the advisory opinion also indicated that Israel, as the occupying power, must comply with international humanitarian law and respect the human rights of the Palestinians, including the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organizations, and that Israel is obliged to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations by providing assistance in everything it does according to the United Nations Charter, including UNRWA.
Al-Majali reiterated the kingdom's steadfast stance in supporting the work of UNRWA, confronting Israeli decisions and actions targeting it, and providing the necessary political and financial support for the agency to continue delivering its vital services to Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operation under its UN mandate.
